IWSG: Quiet on the Nano Front

It's time for another month of IWSG.  How's everybody doing after Halloween?  I don't know about you, but this past weekend left me feeling exhausted and I'm so glad November's here to get back into the swing of things.

As you know, IWSG was created by Alex J. Cavanaugh and wouldn't be half as wonderful without his monthly support team, Joylene Novell Butler, Jen Chandler, Mary Aalgaard, Lisa Buie Collard, Tamara Narayan, Tyrean Martinson, and Christine Rains!  Special thanks to everyone who's helping this month.

November's ISWG question is What is your favorite aspect of being a writer?  For me that's an easy one, I love the creative process.  I honestly adore making stories up and wouldn't have it any other way.  My only insecurities this month have to do with keeping up with the Nano schedule, managing my house renovations and dealing my kids and their daily emergencies.  Ugh.  I'll manage though.  :)

NaNoWriMo Begins!

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This month marks NanoWriMo, baby!  Let me know who's participating this year.  So far so good for me.  I'm off to a good start and for the most part I'm fairly organized.  I think staying organized is the key so that it's easier to find time to write.  I've logged into my Nano account and belong to a local group but in truth, I've never been to one of the meetings.  The kick-offs/write-ins/meetings are usually a minimum of half hour away so that doesn't work for me. I'm happy to do the virtual write-ins though.  I'm looking forward to this month despite all the chaos with my house.  I think the writing will be a pleasant distraction.



Gosh I can't believe it's already November.  Yikes!  Later this month look for a special Book Buzz post and I'm participating in the Gratitude Giveaway hosted by Bookhounds which starts Nov, 15th!

I hope everyone has a fantastic rest of the week.

Mina Burrows

Blood, Boobs, and Carnage Blogfest!

It's the Blood, Boobs, and Carnage Blogfest hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh and Heather Gardner. For this blogfest, we're posting about about a movie, television show, book, or all three that falls into any of these categories.

Okay, I've decided to pick a movie, television show and book the comes to mind when I think of each category.

Blood, Boobs & Carnage: I immediately thought of Tarantino's "The Bride" played by Uma Thurman in the Kill Bill series. Does that include all three or what? Yup!  

Source

Then I thought about Tomb Raider's Lara Croft. For a video game character, turned movie blockbuster, she epitomizes blood, boobs and carnage, huh? You know it!

The Walking Dead has all three as well, but mostly blood and carnage. When I mention carnage because it can get bloody as hell. Last season had some of the worst death and destruction caused by many of the survivors of the zombie apocalypse including the living and the dead. For those that aren't familiar, this past season dealt with zombies, cannibals, isolated societies and Carol. Carol, was my choice for blood and carnage because she is just BAD ASS!

Those are my picks! Man that was fun. Did you participate in the challenge? If not, see the links here and take a gander!


Have a great week!

Mina Burrows

Book Release: Dragon of the Stars By Alex J. Cavanaugh

Hang on, sci-fi fans. The blogosphere may get a bit rocky! I am interrupting this regular scheduled A-Z craze to bring you something truly amazing! Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Ninja Captain, A-Z Co-Host and Amazon best-selling author has officially launched his latest novel, Dragon of the Stars.

Get ready because the internet has already started breaking! And we didn't need Kim K's naked body to do it either. Instead, we have out own sensation, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Dragon of the Stars By Alex J. Cavanaugh

Science Fiction – Space Opera/Adventure/Military
Print ISBN 9781939844064 EBook ISBN 9781939844057
http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/ http://whatarethekargrandes.com/

The ship of legends…

The future is set for Lt. Commander Aden Pendar, poised to secure his own command and marriage to the queen’s daughter. But when the Alliance declares war on their world, Aden finds his plans in disarray and told he won’t make captain. One chance remains–the Dragon. Lost many years prior, the legendary ship’s unique weapon is Hyrath’s only hope. Can Aden find the Dragon, save his people, and prove he’s capable of commanding his own ship?

Where to Purchase:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kobo
Chapters
Amazon UK
Goodreads
iTunes
Amazon print
Overdrive -

But wait...there's more! 

Visit, http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/ to participate in the SCAVENGER HUNT! You could win an autographed copy of Dragon of the Stars, tons of bookmarks & postcards, and a $20.00 iTunes gift card. Visit Alex for a list of the participants. (Open through April 11 – winner announced April 13 at Alex’s blog.)

Go Alex! Everybody, go get your copy of Dragon of the Stars today!


Mina Burrows

IWSG: The Middle

March was here and then it left.  And now we're already at April.  Damn!  Anyway, before we get into the A-Z Challenge, I'm posting for the Insecure Writers Support Group.  I missed the last two months due to work mostly, but that's a lame excuse.  Sorry. :(

Before I begin, I wanted to give a shout out to our founder and Ninja Captain extraordinaire, Alex J. Cavanaugh AND...I can't forget this months co-hosts:  Suzanne Furness, Tonja Drecker, Toi Thomas, Rachna Chhabria, Fundy Blue and Donna Hole.

IWSG:  The Middle

I kind of feel like I'm in the middle of everything in my life.  Family, marriage, work/career and of course my writing.  For some people, being in the middle sucks.  For me, I guess it depends on what we're talking about.  I remember early in my career, I didn't like being in the middle. I worked tirelessly to get ahead and for the most part I did, but then later I realized it wasn't what I wanted.  That's life huh?  Well, now that I'm on a different chapter in my life, I find myself still working endlessly and finding some success, but in truth, I'm still in the middle.  Does being in the middle suck if your a writer?  I guess at times it can, but I'm just trying to enjoy the ride of life and that includes the writing part of it.

Anyway, I guess being in the middle can get old, but it won't be forever so whenever I'm down about not getting further along, I find inspiration literally everywhere.  The other day I was driving and Jimmy Eat World came on the radio and smiled because "Everything. Everything will be alright!"

So if you're worried about releasing your next book, if an agent will ever call you, if your sales will pick up or how many good reviews your book has, try not to let your great expectations get you down!  And remember...."It just takes some time..."

Here's the song below.  Hopefully, it will pick you up too!  Enjoy!

That's it for IWSG.  What about you?  What are your insecurities this month?

Stay tuned for A-Z!

Mina Burrows

IWSG: Progress & the Power of Positive Thinking

Oh my gosh, I apologize for my blogging delay.  Life has handed me a crap storm of crazy and I've been doing my best to stay afloat.  That said, it's already December.  Damn the year's practically ran me down.  Anyhoo...it's time for Insecure Writers Support Group brought to you by Alex J. Cavanaugh and this month's co-hosts, are Heather Gardner, T. Drecker from Kidbits, Eva E. Solar at Lilicasplace, and Patsy Collins!

On Progress & the Power of Positive Thinking

I didn't exactly do NaNo although I did try to keep up with the pace. In the end, I added about another 15K to my novel. Not bad, but definitely not great. Still, I have to admit it's progress. As for insecurities, my one insecurity is this: My blog anniversary is next month and that ultimately means I've been at this writing rat race for close to a dog's age. It's all a bit depressing when you think about it. What with the time and effort that goes into writing novels and my not having one thing to show for...

That said, it was mid November when I had these destructive thoughts and let's be honest...it was more of a pity party than anything and then suddenly, I had an errant thought—probably a gift from the man upstairs now that I think about it. As I was chastising myself for my lack of accomplishments, the voice spoke, "Hang on a second. You actually do write for a living and have been doing so these last few years. Is it exactly what you want? Not exactly. But you are making a living off it and well...that's something, isn't it?"

After my inner voice spoke, it got me thinking even more. Even though I'm not exactly where I want to be, I have had some success. It's professional writing for my clients and not fictional for myself, but it's still something. And that my friends gave me hope! I'm so thankful I got that positive message. I totally needed it. 

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond

The Insecure Writer’s Support Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond is here!  Okay, I got my copy.  Did you get yours?  Hurry!

Tapping into the expertise of over a hundred talented authors from around the globe, The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond contains something for every writer. Whether you are starting out and need tips on the craft of writing, looking for encouragement as an already established author, taking the plunge into self-publishing, or seeking innovative ways to market and promote your work, this guide is a useful tool. Compiled into three key areas of writing, publishing, and marketing, this valuable resource offers inspirational articles, helpful anecdotes, and excellent advice on dos and don'ts that we all wish we knew when we first started out on this writing journey.

Find it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, Goodreads.

That's it for IWSG.  What type of progress did you have last month?  What about the IWSG guide?  Have you picked up a copy?

Have a great rest of the week!

Mina Burrows

IWSG: Lessons for the Bold

Insecure Writers Support Group is already upon us for the month of October.  Can't believe that it's almost time for Halloween!  Wow.  #Timeflies  Special thanks to Alex J. Cavanaugh and this month's co-hosts, Kristin Smith, Elsie, Suzanne Furness, and Fundy Blue!

Today IWSG members are contributing to The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond which an incredible undertaking to help writers learn from other aspiring and published authors. I thought long and hard about what I could contribute, and sadly I didn't come up with much. Still there are some important and elemental lessons all writers need to remember at every stage of their career.

Be Bold and Never Give Up!

On Writing:  Lessons for the Bold

Looking back on my experiences, I can undoubtedly tell aspiring authors what's worked and what hasn't worked for me, but the truth is every writer has difference experiences. What works for some, doesn't necessarily work for others. Luck also plays a big role in a writer's success. Alas, no one can predict that. No one can predict why an agent will respond to one query letter, and another one won't. Or how one book gets published, and another one is rejected. Or why one book sells more than another. Everything varies and in this still somewhat tumultuous publishing time, where publishers are fighting among themselves, the group that it affects the most are the writers.

The two things that I've learned that perhaps are the most valuable lessons are to be bold and to never (EVER) give up. Be bold in your writing. Be true to yourself. Be bold in your submitting and be bold when you publish. Do the work now and when it comes time remember..."Fortune Favors the Bold!"

Those are my words of advice and in fact, not being bold enough has been a debilitating insecurity I've dealt with for the last year. Now that I've expunged this cowardly demon inside me, I can move forward boldly with greatness. Right?  Damn straight!

What about you and your insecurities this month?  Have you been bold enough in your writing?  What about in life?  What type of advice did you give for the IWSG book?

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Mina Burrows
Bio:  aspiring author and lover of wicked literature
Blog:  minaburrows.blogspot.com
ISWG has my permission to rebublish this post.

Underrated Treasures Blogfest

It's time for Underrated Treasures Blogfest hosted by Alex J. Cavanaugh.  Today we're posting about our favorite unknown MOVIE, BAND/ARTIST, TV SHOW or BOOK.  This one was hard for me, but I took a shot.  Today, I'm only posting on movie and music.  I couldn't think of a good underrated TV show that I liked.  I don't watch that much TV so...  As far as book, frankly, there are so many books that are underrated, I didn't know where to start.  That said, here are my two choices.

Grosse Pointe Blank

I don't how many people saw this movie, but it has to be one of my all time favorite 90's films that I thought was totally underrated.  My husband and I watched this film so many times it was a tad ridiculous.  Anyway, I'm not sure how many of you are a Better of Dead fan, but those movie films are classic to me.  This one is probably the last film I saw John Cusack do what he does best, play the brooding guy (Martin Blank) that is stuck in an untenable situation.  This story line of a hit man heading to his high school reunion had me roaring with iconic actors like Dr. Oatman,  Martin's terrified shrink, played by Alan Arkin. This film also featured other spectacular actors like Joan Cusack, Jeremy Piven, Hank Azaria and Dan Aykroyd.




 

Grosse Point Blank Soundtrack

The music of the film was another underrated piece to this film.  Here's a sample of the track here, including an alternate version of the Violent Femmes, Blister in the Sun.  Check it out!



What are your thoughts?  Are you a fan of Grosse Point Blank?

A-Z Blog REMINDER!

I'm over at the A-Z Challenge blog today, being interviewed by the awesome, Alex J. Cavanaugh.  Please stop by!

Have a great week!

Mina Burrows

IWSG: Ask the Universe

It's September and already time for another month of Insecure Writers Support Group.  This wonderful support group is courtesy of Alex J. Cavanaugh and other fantastic authors, including Michelle Wallace, L. Diane Wolfe, Lynda R Young, Susan Gourley/Kelley, Joylene Nowell Butler, and J.L. Campbell.  I mention this crew because they are tireless supporters who give freely and should be thanked often.  If you haven't had a chance to review the IWSG website, please do.  Last month, there were some great posts that I found incredibly inspiring including Seeking Validation As A Writer & The Trend in Indie Publishing - It’s Taking Over the Industry.  Check them out if you can!

As for IWSG, my insecurities are the same.  I'm progressing with my WIPs at a snails pace and that alone fosters insecurity.  Since there's little I can do about that, I stay positive as possible and keep moving forward.  Anyway, I remember watching a portion of Jim Carrey's commencement speech last spring.  Like many people, his words moved me.  There are times when doubt overcomes my thought process or exhaustion settles inside my bones, that I recall his inspiring words.

I was wondering how many of my writer friends ask the universe for things like better health, happy family, more love or even a successful writing career? Have you....asked the universe?  What have you asked for?

Can you relate to Jim's message about following your dreams?  Do you have any insecurities you'd like to share with me today?

On another note, last month Nutschell interviewed me on her Wednesday Writer’s Workspace, stop by if your interested.  And this month, Captain Alex is interviewing me about the A-Z Challenge and my Classic Monster theme.  I'm super excited about that, so I'll be sure an blog when that post releases too.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Mina Burrows

ISWG: How's that novel coming along?

It's time for another round of Insecure Writers Support Group.  Thank you Alex J. Cavanaugh for creating this monthly support system and wonderful website.  The team always puts together great posts to help authors.  If you haven't had a chance to visit the website, click here for the link.

Today, I thought I'd mention a recent discussion I had with a friend of mine.  He's a former colleague that I meet occasionally for coffee.  Sometimes being a writer is such a lonely existence that I very rarely talk about my writing to friends and colleagues in my professional career.  Most of the time they just don't get it so I don't bother.  This particular friend is a writer and knows how difficult it can be, but then again novel writing is a whole other enchilada.  That said, he asked how my book was going.  I told him I was working on it, but when I saw this, it made me laugh because I can relate.

(Source)

Anyway, we continued to talk and he mentioned something even funnier.  He said he once had a friend that said...

"I've started nine novels, but I haven't finished one yet."  

He said he thought it was a great opening line to a novel.  I agreed.  We had a good laugh, but then I stopped, feeling the need to defend the unknown friend, and probably myself somewhere in there too.  Hey, we've all been there from time to time with novel writing.  I explained how hard it is to create a story with the plotting, characters, point of view, editing, beta reading, re-editing, rewriting etc...  Hell, that list can go on forever.  I then said how challenging it is to balance everything in life like your family, work, laundry and dare I say making dinner?  It's not easy.  But's if it's who you are and what you do, what other choice do you have?   I should have told him to have his friend reach out to ISWG.  I think maybe just a little support might help them.

Other than that, I have no complaints this month.  What about you?  Can you relate?  Did you like the opening line?  Do you have any insecurities you'd like to share with me today?  

Mina Burrows

Friday's Brew

It's Friday.  Whoop Whoop!  I have a few things for my Friday Brew including Katniss Everdeen, an Epic Giveaway and Fred is back too.  Wahoo! #TGIF

Bring on the Fire

To kick start everything, did you know Catching Fire is out on DVD today?  Well it's marketed practically everywhere including that rock we writers sometimes live under.  If you're a loser like me and didn't get a chance to see this in the movie theaters, now's the time to watch in the lap of luxury in your own living room.  Wahoo!  That's my kind of movie-watching.  

On a side note, I can't begin to express how much I loved this series.  When reading Catching Fire, I still can remember how chilling it was for Katniss when President Snow visited her in her own home.  It's such a killer series.  I'm glad the movies are up to par, but seriously folks, if you ever need an escape, Suzanne Collins will take you there with The Hunger Games.

Epic 2000 Followers Giveaway!

Alex J. Cavanaugh's blog is nearing 2000 GFC followers and to celebrate, he's hosting a giveaway! 

He's only a few short of reaching his goal so let's help him, minions!  See the details here.  First place prize includes one copy of the any book in the Cassa sci-fi series, $10 iTunes card, and one book donated to the library (middle school, high school, public) of your choice.  Grand prize – Signed copy of all three books, $10 iTunes card, t-shirt of your choice from Neat-O-Rama, designed by Retro Jeremy Hawkins, and three books donated to the library of your choice.   Those are some wicked prizes, huh?

Fred Snoozing

I mentioned before how Fred is getting older and naps rather frequently.  This is a shot of him in his new bed, where he spends about half of his day sleeping away.  There was a time when I would never be able to sneak up and capture a shot like this.  Those days are over.  He doesn't even move.

Have a wonderful Friday and enjoy your weekend!

Mina B.

IWSG: A-Z Topics

I can't believe it's March and it's already the first week into the month. *Sigh* Insecure Writers Support Group created by Alex J. Cavanaugh is back and this month's wicked co-hosts are Tina Downey, Elsie, Elizabeth Seckman, and Julie Flanders!

Today, all I'd like to mention the upcoming A-Z blogging event which starts in April.  Are you ready?  Have you thought of a theme?  I've though of several but I'm still not sure.  Last month, I posted only once so the thought of committing to posting every day has me a little worried.  Last year, I did Chaucer.  *smacks head*  And no, I'm not doing Shakespeare this time.

Still, I have several ideas.  I decided to list them below and see what you all think.

*  Classic Monsters:   Hmmm, I'm not sure about 22 classic monsters.  I might be able to do it but...
*  Unforgettable lines in classic literature:  This would be fun but probably biased.
*  Author Spotlight:  I thought about doing a sign up for those who want me to feature their paranormal/sci-fi books.  I kinda do that already but a month of it would be cool.
*  Feature my book, Blessed Blood.  Yes, the bane of my existence is still ALIVE!  I'm very close again with this darn thing, I can almost taste it.  I could possibly feature snippets of my novel?  Hmmm.....

I'm not sure so I've decided to put it to a vote.  And every one counts!  Here's what we'll do.  You post your thoughts in a comment and at in a couple of weeks, I'll take a tally.  "What say you?"

Anyway, that's my insecurity this month.  What type of insecurities are you faced with this month?  

Mina B.

IWSG: Trusting Your Own Madness

We're back again this month with Insecure Writers Support Group created by  Alex J. Cavanaugh.  This month's ninja co-hosts are  co-hosts today are Sheena-kay Graham, Julie Musil,Jamie Ayres, and Mike Swift!

I'll keep this brief.  Sometimes when I'm writing, I feel like no one is ever going to get it.  I mean, I've written some pretty freaky shit in my adult, YA and children's books.  I guess my insecurities this month as I make another round of edits to my novel is that readers will never get it or me.  Or worse they'll just write me off as weird.  Which is somewhat true.  But--stay with me on this one--that's not the point!  Anyway, I found this quote from Clive Barker that somehow spoke to me this month. 

I guess that's the problem with some of my stuff.  I trust my madness but then I have doubts too.  
Does that make any sense?  

What type of insecurities are you faced with this month?  

Mina B.

IWSG: Don't Ever Give Up!

It's time for Insecure Writers Support Group.  This monthly meme is brought to us by  Alex J. Cavanaugh and now has a new home.  If you haven't visited their new website, click here and check it out! 

I'll keep my post short. Like most writers, I've had way too much going on.  To give you an example, it's 11:30 at night here and right now I'm trying to write a compelling post.  *Smacks forehead*  That's just the way it goes, huh?  
Anyway, my insecurities this month--which seem to be a common theme for the year--are surrounding my novel and some setbacks I have had.  This is not necessarily a bad thing but it has caused some insecurity for me. That said, I haven't dwelt on that insecurity for too long.  In truth, finding time is my biggest challenge with my writing these days.  Do hurdles like this make a writer want to give up?  It used to, but I realized a long time ago that this whole writing process is a journey so I'm doing my best to enjoy the ride.

And no I haven't given up either.  To show you I haven't I thought I'd share this writers creed with you:

Have you seen this before?  It's perfect for the publishing industry, huh?  Can you guess which one's publishing and which one's me?  Can you relate?  What type of insecurities are you faced with this month?  

Mina B.

Insecure Writers Support Group: Why not?

It's October and time for another Insecure Writers Support Group.   This monthly meme is brought to us by non other than  Alex J. Cavanaugh.  Thank you Alex for giving us an outlet to release our demons.  This month Alex has enlisted these fine folks, Julie Luek, Rachna Chabria, Beverly Fox, and Ilima Todd!   Thanks guys!  Don't forget to visit our awesome IWSG helpers.  Oh, and use the hashtag, #IWSG.

Like most aspiring writers, I tend to get an exorbitant amount of unsolicited advice from publishing firms, agents, writer acquaintances,  blogs and so forth.  For the first few stories I wrote, many harangued me with sometimes subtle but mostly damaging statements like “You can’t do this,” or “You can’t do that.” 

As I embarked on my writing adventure, I took copious notes on what was expected.  And so what happened after that?  Well, this list grew and grew to the point of nausea.  Don’t get me wrong there was a ton of excellent advice I found along the way.  Honestly though, there was also a ton that I found crippling.  Soon after, I grew more and more insecure.  To give you an example, here are a few lists of "You can'ts" that I heard when writing my YA novel.   

1. You can’t self-publish.  
2. You can’t be that graphic in a YA novel. 
3. You can’t have prologues in novels.
4. You can’t write about religion like that. 
5. You can’t write about personal stuff. 
6. You can’t have character be evil and then good.
7. You can’t make a plot rule and then break it.
8. Oh, and my favorite...You can’t write about vampires.

Well, as you can see the list goes on and on.  I felt like not matter where I turned, I was incapable of making these rule-makers happy.  After a couple of years, I realized that the growing expectation from others wasn't worth all the hype I’d given it.  In fact, it wasn't worth much at all.  The truth is when you constantly have people tell you, “You can’t do this or that,” it stifles the creativity. 

Soon I realized my best course was to ask the inevitable…Why not?  Now that I understand much more about myself, using this tactic has helped me stave off the naysayers and focus on what’s most important….the story.  

If you want to write about a purple elephant who possess magical farts, then by all means write about it.  As the owner of any story, what’s most important is you have total control from the beginning to end so make it a great one.  Write a story that way you want to and don't listen to every little bit of crap out there.  

Have you ever been plagued by this type of insecurity?  Did you fall in line or did you eventually break from the crowd?

Mina B.

CassaStorm by Alex J Cavanaugh - Release Blitz!

CassaStorm’s release blitz is here!  Alex J Cavanaugh's 3rd book in the Cassa series just released yesterday and I'm hear to scream it to the world!  For those that don't know this series has had some serious buzz from science fiction fans and Captain Ninja Minions like me.  Some noteworthy distinctions of this incredible series include Amazon Best Selling Series and CassaFire just won the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award.  How awesome is that?  Rock on, Alex!

CassaStorm's backcover:  

A storm gathers across the galaxy…

Commanding the Cassan base on Tgren, Byron thought he’d put the days of battle behind him. As a galaxy-wide war encroaches upon the desert planet, Byron’s ideal life is threatened and he’s caught between the Tgrens and the Cassans.

After enemy ships attack the desert planet, Byron discovers another battle within his own family. The declaration of war between all ten races triggers nightmares in his son, threatening to destroy the boy’s mind.

Meanwhile the ancient alien ship is transmitting a code that might signal the end of all life in the galaxy. And the mysterious probe that almost destroyed Tgren twenty years ago could return. As his world begins to crumble, Byron suspects a connection. The storm is about to break, and Byron is caught in the middle…

My question to Ninja Captain Alex:

Tell us something about the series that no one has figured out yet?

The Captain's response:

Well, judging from the reaction of those who’ve read CassaStorm, no one has figured out how it all ties together!

Blast the man with this cryptic reply!  Does anyone want to take a guess at that?  

CassaStorm Book Trailer:  
Alex's book trailers are some of the coolest I've ever seen.  #seriously

The Reviews: 
“CassaStorM is a touching and mesmerizing space opera full of action and emotion with strong characters and a cosmic mystery.” – Edi’s Book Lighhouse

"Cavanaugh makes world building on the galactic scale look easy. The stakes affect the entire known universe and yet Cavanaugh makes it intensely personal for our hero. The final installment of this series will break your heart and put it back together."
- Charity Bradford, science fantasy author of The Magic Wakes

“…mesmerizing story of survival, personal sacrifice, tolerance, and compassion. It’s a rare jewel that successfully utilizes both character and plot to tell a story of such immense scope and intimate passion…” - Nancy S. Thompson, author of The Mistaken

Get your copy today!

Amazon    Amazon Kindle     Barnes & Noble     Goodreads

***

About Alex:  

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

Find Alex on...
Alex's Website     Alex on Twitter     Goodreads 


Congratulations, Alex.  There is no way this is your last book.

Mina B.

Insecure Writers Support Group: Faith

Insecure Writers Support Group is on for September! Special thanks to Alex for doing this monthly meme.   I don't know how he does it.  Oh, wait.  He does have some help this month: Chemist Ken, SL Hennessy, Michelle Wallace, and Joylene Nowell Butler!  Thanks guys!  Don't forget to visit our awesome IWSG helpers.  Oh, and use the hashtag, #IWSG.


I made a ton of progress last month finalizing my book, Blessed Blood, for publication.  I don't have a date yet but soon.  Every time I feel I get closer to finalizing this project another set back happens in life.  

What's frustrating for me is these life mishaps throw off any momentum I've gained.  Its not like I have to start over from scratch, but it's irritating just the same.  Sometimes when this happens, I start feeling extremely insecure about my book.  Or frankly any other project I'm working on.  The good news is now I have an automatic retort when such pessimism attacks me.  What's that?  Well, whenever doubt hits me hard, I tend to yell back these words:

"Have some fu**ing faith, would ya?"

Believe it or not it works!  I think that's my positive takeaway this month.  Apparently, now I can argue with myself at will whenever I have doubt.  I'm slowly learning how to deal with these pestering insecurities.  Isn't that a good thing?

How are you learning to deal with your insecurities this month?   Any tricks you want to share that don't include talking to yourself?

IWSG: Can you feel it?

Insecure Writers Support Group for August is here. Special thanks to Alex for creating and hosting this monthly meme.  I also want to thank Alex's co-hosts M. Pax, Karen Walker, and Melissa Maygrove.

Last month was a challenging one.  I'd like to have the month over to do a redo, please.  Can I borrow someone's time machine?  That would be great.  In short, my kids got lice of all things and gave it to me.  In the summer, no less!  Wahoo!  #goodtimes.  That left me mostly worrying about nit-combing, cleaning, washing multiple times until my hands were raw and my brain was addled.  By the end of week one, I felt like a Chimpanzee mother, fine-tooth-combing her young for bugs, much like the picture here.  You can't imagine what one goes through when lice happens.  If you want to read an informative and quite hilarious post about Lice, Lice, Lice, yeah (80's song reference) ...check out Elise Fallson's post.  With back to school on the horizon, you'll may want may find this post an invaluable resource.  I did. :)

  
So, you may be asking what does this have to with IWSG?  Well, nothing can derogate your writing mojo and security like a good case head lice.  *scratches head*  

Head lice aside, I finally got rid of those pesky bugs and just in time for our family vacation.  Yes, we writers have to have those every now and then.  We ended up heading to Orlando, which is a few hours away from me and took the kids to Universal.  One of the best parts of the trip was the Harry Potter experience.  In a word: awesome!  Hanging with the fam gave me fantastic memories and a great perspective that helped tamper down my insecurities for July.  As I was leaving HP land, I took a picture of this poster that Universal sported to cover up their construction mess.  When I read it, I spoke to me.  

Can you feel it too?

Be honest...did your head itch while reading this post?

Mina B.

ISWG: Express Yourself

I'm back on track with Insecure Writers Support Group.  I missed last month due to work and family conflicts.  Special thanks to Alex for creating and hosting this monthly meme. I also want to thank Alex's co-hosts this month:  Nancy Thompson, Mark Koopmans and Heather Gardner - 

I won't bemoan the To Do list for my book for my IWSG post.  I'm getting there so I'm thankful for that.  For IWSG I decided to post something I saw on College Humor that had me rolling.  I thought I'd share with you to maybe lighten your day or mood.

8 New Punctuation Marks We Desperately Need
                         

 

Although they all are pretty darn funny, my favorite is the Mockwotation Marks.  Do you have a favorite?

Mina B.